Highlighted by jagged cliffs and secluded white sand beaches, the Na Pali coast is located on the northwest side of Kaua'i in the Hawaiian Islands. Recreational pursuits are immense with opportunities for camping, hiking, paddlesports and fishing.

The OluKai Kia'i Trainer is the official footwear of the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association (HLA) and has a design touted for the rigors of the rugged shoreline of Na Pali.

The Kia'i Trainer has a mesh upper with an easy lacing system. The footbed is removable and washable and is 100% recyclable once it is spent. The outersole features a decent shock cushion and a low-set tread pattern. The Kia'i Trainer's toe box and heel cup are semi-rigid providing protection.

The shoe is very lightweight and weighs approximately 11 ounces. Its mesh upper gives it an airy feel and makes it ideal for recreational pursuits in and around the water. The mesh upper dry quickly and does not irritate your skin.

The Kia'i Trainer gives added support from its sturdy outersole along with the heel cup and toe box. It is a preferred alternative for all active pursuits on the beach from pick-up football games to shoreline runs at sunrise. The sizing of the OluKai Kia'i Trainer is a negative aspect of the shoe. It runs a ½ size too small, so adjust the size you order to accommodate this.

Does the OluKai Kia'i Trainer make you feel like a 'kuloko' (Hawaiian word for local)? Yes, it gives you the comfort and support to be active on the beach and in the water. Remember to order the Kia'i trainer a ½ larger than what's normally required. OluKai offers the shoe in three color schemes – red/gray, brown/black and olive/brown. The OluKai Kia'i Trainer retails for $100 and part of the proceeds from sales goes to the HLA's Junior Lifeguard Program.

Jason Elliot is the Editor and Publisher of OutdoorInformer.com. Elliot has established a respected following with the top industry professionals and gearheads for his nonbiased reviews of outdoor gear and apparel. Elliot is a regular contributor to Examiner.com, Trails.com and other publications on top of his editorial and writing role with OutdoorInformer.com.

Elliot left a successful fifteen-plus year management career that he worked at Fortune 500 and S&P 500 companies to pursue his passion for writing about the outdoors. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Clarion University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree from La Roche College.